Issuu

O c t o b e r 1 5 , 2 0 2 6 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 1 , N o . 4 2

Memories of Autumn

Milton defers millage vote, approves park conservation deal By ERLANDRYA RUTLEDGE erlandrya@appenmedia.com

Shindig celebrates Milton’s rural past at family farm By ERLANDRYA RUTLEDGE erlandrya@appenmedia.com MILTON, Ga. — The Milton Historical Society held its sixth annual Autumn Shindig Sept. 27, drawing 215 people to Wildberry Creek Farm for a celebration of

Milton’s rural past. Guests gathered at the farm to visit Music Milton and local Veterans of Foreign Wars booths while also enjoying food, entertainment and activities like using a cider press and cleaning with an old-fashioned washboard.

MILTON, Ga. — A typo has delayed the Milton City Council’s approval of the city’s 2026 tax rate. The council, during its Oct. 5 meeting and at the request of City Attorney Ken Jarrard, deferred until Oct. 19 its approval of the new rate. Jarrard said a “scrivener’s error” — a typographical mistake in a legal document — prompted the delay. The error was in the city’s required advertising for the new tax rate, he said. Jarrard said he was asking the council to defer the approval out of an “abundance of caution.” The deferment, according to the city, also allows officials more time to resolve issues stemming from Fulton County’s recent property tax confusion.

See MILTON, Page 26

Volunteers from the National Charity League offered games for children. Mayor Peyton Jamison said the shindig reflects a commitment to protecting Milton’s heritage.

See SHINDIG, Page 6 COURTESY LESLIE WATSON

Guests gather at a table during the Milton Historical Society’s Autumn Shindig Sept. 27. The sixth annual event drew 215 people to Wildberry Creek Farm to celebrate the city’s rural past.

Crabapple fest brings family fun to the city ► PAGE 12

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319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 HANS APPEN Publisher RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus CONTACT NEWS TIPS Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com. LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance. ADVERTISING For information about advertising in the Milton Herald or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@ appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278. CIRCULATION To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

Woman with dementia loses $14,500 to FTC impostor ROSWELL, Ga. — A woman called the Roswell Police Department Sept. 23 to report her mother, who has dementia, had been scammed out of $14,500. On Sept. 5, the mother got a call from someone claiming to be with the Federal Trade Commission. The caller said they accidentally put $15,000 into her account instead of $500 and told her she would need to send back the difference. She was instructed to take out the amount in cash, place it inside a book and mail it to them. After shipping the money, she started getting calls asking her to send more. That’s when the mother realized she was being scammed. The daughter told police she has power of attorney over her mother’s affairs. The daughter said she does not know how her mother got to the Bank of America location on Alpharetta Highway or how clerks let her withdraw the money given her dementia. The daughter also told police she found a piece of mail showing a credit card had been opened in her mother’s name. The Barclays JetBlue credit card was opened Sept. 2 and had an $11,000 credit limit. There was a misspelling in the name on the card. It was never used. The daughter said she has spoken with the Federal Trade Commission and the Social Security Administration about the incident. She also asked Bank of America officials

— Hannah Yahne

Officers hear gunshots during suspicious persons call ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell police officers were dispatched to Roswell Creek Lane around 11:30 p.m. Sept. 21 after a resident reported a suspicious person pulling on the handles of vehicles and residences. When officers conducted a check of the area, they saw a 2007 Ford Explorer with its emergency lights flashing but did not observe any signs of forced entry or criminal activity involving the vehicle. While conducting the premises check, the officers heard around five gunshots coming from the woods behind one of the buildings. Additional officers responded to assist with checking the surrounding area for people who could have discharged the firearm. Due to potential risk to officer safety, they did not enter the wooded area. Instead, officers maintained positions around accessible portions of the area and monitored the surrounding locations to see if anyone would emerge from the woods. One officer made contact with several male residents seated outside their apartment. They reported seeing two subjects walking along the main entrance of the Roswell Creek apartment complex in the direction of the Holcomb Bridge Road entrance about 30 minutes before officers arrived on scene. Officers conducted an additional check of areas surrounding the apartment complex and from where

Alpharetta man jailed for loitering, misrepresentation ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 45-yearold Alpharetta man was arrested on loitering and misrepresentation charges Sept. 2. Alpharetta police said officers were patrolling near a North Point Parkway hotel when they saw a vehicle parked with its windows open. Concerned because vehicle burglaries are common in the area, officers spoke with the driver. During the conversation, the man allegedly lied to officers about his residence, saying he was parked at the hotel for hours because he was fighting with his wife. Officers contacted the homeowner, who said the man no longer lived there. The man was charged and taken to the Alpharetta Detention Center. — Jon Wilcox

Conyers man charged for not paying restaurant bill ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 36-year -old Conyers man was charged with theft of service after he allegedly declined to pay a restaurant bill Sept. 5. Alpharetta police said officers were dispatched to the Haynes Bridge Road business a little after midnight. Officers asked restaurant staff whether the man could wash dishes to pay for the meal but staff asked to press charges if they did not receive payment. The bill totaled more than $90. — Jon Wilcox

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the gunshots were heard but were unable to locate any potential suspects or any individuals exiting the wooded area. — Hannah Yahne

erfi el

POLICE BLOTTER

why they allowed her mother to take out that much cash and asked to see a copy of the currency transaction report, but the bank said they cannot give out that information.

2 | October 15, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | October 15, 2026 | 3

T H I S E L EC T I O N I S A B O U T

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COMMUNITY

4 | October 15, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

Eagle Scout project brings footbridge to Milton park By ERLANDRYA RUTLEDGE erlandrya@appenmedia.com MILTON, Ga. — Thomas Allen, 18, organized a team that recently built a footbridge at Milton City Park and Reserve for his Eagle Scout project, the community service effort a Life Scout must plan, organize and lead to earn Scouting America’s highest rank. Before starting, Thomas had to plan the project and get it approved by his troop, Troop 1459, and the Atlanta Area Council. With those sign-offs in hand, he led Scouts from Troops 10, 51, 69 and 100 to a runoff ditch on the left side of the park’s northernmost lake on Aug. 2. The group dug out the ditch, installed a pipe, wrapped it in landscape fabric and covered it with gravel to keep water from rushing out. They then built the footbridge, an 8-by-10-foot deck of pressure-treated wood, and nailed it in place over the ditch and stained it. Water now flows freely beneath the footbridge, so visitors’ shoes stay clean and the area drains properly. Thomas raised money for the project with help from his troop, and his parents covered the rest. Home

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The project was the first in the troop’s history to use its new metal branding iron, Travis said. The iron burns “Troop 1459 Milton, Georgia” into wood, along with a small Scout figure and a fleur-de-lis. “If it’s a wood project, it’s pretty cool,” Travis said.

A Milton High School student, Thomas joined Cub Scout Pack 1459 as a Tiger Cub in first grade. He plans to study engineering at Georgia Southern University. He earned 25 merit badges, four more than the 21 required for Eagle. Thirteen of those must come from a list of Eagle-required badges, which includes a choice of hiking, cycling or swimming. Thomas chose cycling. One of his biggest accomplishments was the Triple Crown of High Adventure Award, which recognizes Scouts who complete programs at three of Scouting America’s four high adventure bases. Thomas went to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, Florida Sea Base in the Florida Keys and Northern Tier in the Boundary Waters along the Minnesota-Canada border. Travis said Milton residents have told him they appreciate the troop’s work. “I’ll give another rain or two to go out there and see how it’s holding up, see if anything can be enhanced on it,” he said. “But first big rain, somebody said they walked out there a day or two later and was holding up great and ATTENTION - Double it check ad for ALL content. Phone, web, address, coupons, etc. Assume nothing Reply back that ad is approved once ALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR ACCURACY. looked good.”

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AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | October 15, 2026 | 5

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6 | October 15, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

NEWS

HANNAH YAHNE/APPEN MEDIA

Cambridge High School Principal Ashley Agans hugs a Fulton County Board of Education member Oct. 5 after the school was recognized for its 97.6% graduation rate for the class of 2026.

Fulton County Schools celebrates 93.4% graduation rate By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com FAIRBURN, Ga. — Officials from Fulton County Schools, along with representatives from community groups, gathered at Global Impact Academy Oct. 5 to celebrate a districtwide graduation rate of 93.4%. “Behind [that rate] are thousands of individual scores [recognizing] students who persisted, students who overcame obstacles,” Chief Academic Officer

Shindig: Continued from Page 1 “The Milton Historical Society does tremendous work preserving and sharing Milton’s story, and the Autumn Shindig is a great opportunity to bring our community together and celebrate what makes Milton special,” Jamison said. “As our city continues to grow and evolve, it is incredibly important that we remain connected to the people, places and traditions that made Milton what it is today. I’m grateful for the historical society’s volunteers and supporters who dedicate their time and energy to preserving our history for future generations.”

Brannon Gaskins said. The academy, one of the district’s two STEM schools, was the only Fulton County high school with a perfect graduation rate for the class of 2026. The academy opened in 2021 and has achieved a 100% graduation rate for the past three years. “It’s kind of become our standard here as a school,” Principal Johnathan Hall said. “We are trying to keep a tradition, a standard here at Global, where we are doing that year after

year.” The district’s other STEM school, FCS Innovation Academy in Alpharetta, had a graduation rate of more than 99%, officials said. Other high schools in north Fulton County had graduation rates above 97%, including Cambridge and Milton schools in Milton; Johns Creek, Chattahoochee and Northview schools in Johns Creek; and Riverwood International Charter School in Sandy Springs.

“We all can’t do it by ourselves,” Chattahoochee High Principal Mike Todd said. “It’s important to lean on our colleagues and even friends.” The district’s graduation rate has risen 7.9 percentage points since 2020 and has gone up every year since then. “It’s a reflection of our values,” Fulton County Board of Education President Kristin McCabe said. “All of us come together to make sure that our students graduate across that stage in May.”

Jeff Dufresne, a founding member and past president of the historical society, said the group has more than 150 members. The society aims to promote Milton’s past through education, preservation and exploration, with the shindig key to those goals. “My personal favorite [shindig activities were] the unbeatable combination of barbecue, local craft beverages and bluegrass music,” Dufresne said. “The door prizes, kids’ prizes and historical exhibits also seemed popular.” He said holding the event at the farm builds support for historic preservation. “Experiencing a beautiful farm helps people appreciate the importance of

preserving Milton’s historic properties, agricultural landscapes and rural character,” Dufresne said. Society board members Byron and Laura Foster own the 48-acre Wildberry Creek Farm on Westbrook Road and have hosted the shindig since its inception. They said the society has the event on a working farm to show how people once celebrated after the harvest came in. Byron Foster said pig farms once dominated much of the rural center of Milton, which includes his land. His family has owned the cattle farm for four generations. Milton, incorporated as a city in 2006, is one of Georgia’s most affluent cities and is known, according to city officials, for its high quality-of-life

rankings. Its land was for thousands of years part of the Cherokee Nation. After Native Americans were forcibly removed from the area in 1832 by the U.S. government, settlers claimed properties through a federal land lottery system. The lottery for present-day Milton was that same year. Over time, mature forests were replaced with farms and pastures, with Milton remaining largely agricultural through much of the 1900s. As Atlanta and Fulton County boomed in growth, Milton’s residents, seeking greater local control, approved a referendum creating the city. The historical society was founded in 2018. It works with the city on various projects, including preservation of the 1830s-era McConnell-Chadwick House and the America250 celebration.

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | October 15, 2026 | 7

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Dunwoody nonprofit turns leftover bagels into a lifeline By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com DUNWOODY, Ga. — Since founding Bagel Rescue in 2021, Erin Stieglitz has connected strangers in what she calls an “epic web of goodness” one bagel at a time. The concept is simple: volunteers collect unsold baked goods from local businesses and deliver them to housing shelters and food banks. But Bagel Rescue wasn’t always a nonprofit organization partnered with 88 restaurants and 175 receiving agencies across six states. It started during COVID-19 when Stieglitz wanted to bring a bagel breakfast to Northside Hospital employees. Her son called their favorite bagel shop – Goldbergs Fine Foods – and asked the manager if they would help. He agreed. “I was really stunned by the hundreds of bagels that we picked up that day,” Stieglitz said. Stieglitz started collecting the eatery’s excess bagels and distributing them to frontline workers once a week during the 2020 holiday season. Other restaurants

soon joined the cause. “[I wanted to do] just my little part in making things better … and bagels were the answer for me,” Stieglitz said. ‘Literally one relationship at a time’ Stieglitz and her friend, Amy Wilensky, worked together to find businesses where they could “rescue” excess bagels. So far, they have formed partnerships with 71 businesses in metro Atlanta. Stieglitz calls them her “bagel babies.” “Everything was built just piece by piece,” she said. “It was literally one relationship at a time.” The duo also recruited other volunteers, including Jake Greenfield, a recent Dunwoody High School graduate. He started volunteering with Bagel Rescue during his sophomore year. With his mom, he started picking up bags of bagels and delivering them to Stieglitz. Greenfield later struck up a conversation with Kristin HathawayHansen, executive director of The Rich’s Foundation. The Atlanta-based grantmaking organization supports nonprofits

THE OTHER

OT H E R B R O N T Ë

working in a variety of areas. During that chat, Greenfield said a “light bulb went off,” and he connected Stieglitz with the foundation. It later granted $25,000 to Bagel Rescue. That gift helped Bagel Rescue lease a delivery van and keep its work going. “I think there’s so many times in all of our lives … where we have a choice in that moment to put things together in our brains,” Stieglitz said. “What seems like such a small gesture made such a huge difference to Bagel Rescue.” An ‘opportunity to help’ As a junior, Greenfield took on an expanded role with Bagel Rescue and joined the nonprofit’s teen program alongside other high schoolers. The program gives teens a “behind-the-scenes” look at running such an organization. The students recruit volunteers, lead delivery routes and facilitate community service projects, including making sandwiches and sorting deliveries. Greenfield said the best part of working with Bagel Rescue is seeing it grow throughout his hometown of Dunwoody. “It’s amazing we’re helping people,” Greenfield said. Dunwoody High senior Catherine Le, also the president of the school’s National Honor Society chapter, recently led one of Bagel Rescue’s sandwich-making projects. “We’ve worked with Bagel Rescue for a couple of years now,” Le said. “Their work and mission are admirable and something that we as an honor society are grateful to have the opportunity to work with.” Juliet Utreras, also a Dunwoody High senior, is a member of the nonprofit’s third teen group. She said the program gives young people a meaningful way to address food insecurity in their communities. “It’s hard when you’re a kid to feel like you can actually make a meaningful impact or create change in the world, especially when you see people struggling,” Utreras said. “Bagel Rescue gave me the opportunity to help … to make a difference.” As president of the school’s Spanish National Honor Society, Utreras said she hopes to get its members more involved with Bagel Rescue in the future. ‘A huge impact, even with small things’ The nonprofit’s reach is steadily growing across the country. Volunteers have moved out of the Atlanta area and taken the mission with them. In 2025, Bagel Rescue expanded to Birmingham, Alabama, as well as Raleigh, North Carolina, and Portland, Oregon.

BAGEL RESCUE/PROVIDED

Dunwoody High School students make sandwiches with bread donated to Bagel Rescue during a community service project. The nonprofit organization delivers the sandwiches to its receiving agencies.

The group also operates in Nashville, Tennessee, and Alexandria, Virginia. “We identified those cities as cities that have bagels to donate … and also areas of need,” Stieglitz said. In its first five years, the nonprofit has kept more than 1.7 million pounds of baked goods — bagels, breads and pastries — out of landfills. Volunteers have helped deliver 30,000 meals a week, with more than 4.4 million items donated to the group. Corporations are also recognizing the impact of Stieglitz’s organization and helping to grow Bagel Rescue. The nonprofit partners with around 20 Einstein Bros. Bagels locations in metro Atlanta. The chain’s leadership recently connected Stieglitz with three locations in Birmingham. “I know we will continue to grow into new markets,” Stieglitz said. “It’s going to be where we have some strong leaders and where we recognize that that’s a good place for us to be.” Stieglitz said she looks back at the organization’s humble beginnings — with hundreds of bagels stuffed in freezers in her garage — and feels full of joy. “I feel so lucky to get to be doing what I’m doing, and I feel like it happened just at the right time of my life,” she said. “Bagels are small, but we’re trying to show people that you can make a huge impact, even with small things.” To learn more about Bagel Rescue or to get involved with the organization, visit bagelrescue.com.

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | October 15, 2026 | 9

COMMUNITY

10 | October 15, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

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Northern Ridge District welcomes September Eagle Scouts ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Northern Ridge District of Scouting America, which covers Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Milton, announced its newest Eagle Scouts, who completed their Eagle board of review on Sept. 24 at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church. Top row, from left: Shreyas Singh, of Troop 629, sponsored by Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Singh’s project was renovating an 18-by-8-foot path for Alpharetta High School, making it easier to move band equipment between the storage building and the football field. Trevor Darnell, of Troop 1459, sponsored by St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church. Darnell’s project was to build a team-building obstacle course for StoneCreek Church, featuring a ground maze made with ropes and a wooden frame, and a spider web made of ropes and wires strung between two trees. Raghav Guttikonda, of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. Guttikonda’s project was to build two insulated cat shelters and two cat poles for Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelter. Daniel Gamba, of Troop 1717, was sponsored by Cross of Life Lutheran w

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Church. Gamba’s project was to construct a new 200-by-8-foot trail section for training the Elkins Point Middle School cross-country team. Bottom row, from left: Isabella Walker, of Troop 432, sponsored by Roswell United Methodist Church. Walker’s project was constructing and staining six picnic tables for Learnwell Collective. Joshua Malizioso, of Troop 27, sponsored by Johns Creek Christian Church. Malizioso’s project was the collection, cleaning, sorting and delivery of more than 2,500 articles of clothing to the Atlanta Mission. Richard Crouch, of Troop 69, was sponsored by Alpharetta Methodist Church. Crouch’s project was building a mobile battery recharge cart for Ignite Robotics, FIRST Robotics Competition Team 6829. Trevor Ficik, of Troop 51, was sponsored by American Legion Post 201. Ficik’s project included constructing a new memorial flower bed and bench, along with improvements to the surrounding area, including adding paint and gravel and cleaning the three plaques directly in front of the flower bed.

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | October 15, 2026 | 11

12 | October 15, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

COMMUNITY

Annual Crabapple fest brings fall fun to Milton By KATHERINE DAVIS newsroom@appenmedia.com MILTON, Ga. — The annual Crabapple Fest brought a day of fall festivities to downtown Milton on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. The annual festival featured more than 100 local artists for visitors to browse through along Crabapple Road while live music played. Visitors could also enjoy food from local vendors and family-friendly activities throughout the day. This year’s expanded KidZone offered carnival rides, games, inflatables, and other activities, while the Children’s Entrepreneur Market gave young vendors an opportunity to showcase and sell their own products. — Photos by Katherine Davis

Band members from The Hits Squad perform on stage during Crabapple Fest in Milton Oct. 3.

Samer and Elyas ride a carnival ride during Crabapple Fest in Milton on Oct. 3. Crabapple Fest is an annual fall festival held in downtown Milton and features food trucks, live music, vendors, artists, family activities and more.

Food sits on the grill under a tent for Flames & Skewers Street Food during Crabapple Fest.

Milton Community Church balloons float by during Crabapple Fest in Milton.

Festival attendees walk down Crabapple Road during Crabapple Fest in Milton on Oct. 3.

COMMUNITY

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | October 15, 2026 | 13

Members of Milton Community Church hand out balloons during Crabapple Fest in Milton on Oct. 3.

A boy sits in a City of Milton Firetruck during Crabapple Fest in Milton on Oct. 3.

Luca Hendrix, 6, plays on the inflatable slides during Crabapple Fest in Milton on Oct. 3.

Attendees pet an adoptable dog from Ruff Dog Rescue during Crabapple Fest in Milton on Oct. 3.

Festival attendees ride a carnival ride during Crabapple Fest in Milton on Oct. 3.

NEWS

14 | October 15, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

PROVIDED

Symphony to celebrate America’s birthday with Oct. 18 show By ERLANDRYA RUTLEDGE erlandrya@appenmedia.com

COURTESY CITY OF MILTON

A sign above a new crosswalk button at Webb and Cogburn roads in Milton explains the pedestrian signals. Since Sept. 28, the walk signal has come on seven seconds before vehicles get a green light.

Milton adds pedestrian head start at Webb, Cogburn roads By ERLANDRYA RUTLEDGE erlandrya@appenmedia.com MILTON, Ga. — Pedestrians crossing at Webb and Cogburn roads now get a seven-second head start on traffic. City officials say the traffic change is meant to make the busy intersection safer for walkers. The new setup, called a leading pedestrian interval, turns on the walk signal before vehicles traveling in the same direction get a green light. That lets people step into the crosswalk, where turning drivers can see them more easily, before traffic starts moving. The change was fully in place

Sept. 28, when Fulton County Schools students returned from fall break. The city also banned right turns on red at the intersection during school hours, which are 7 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Without that restriction, drivers turning right on red could pull into the crosswalk during the pedestrian head start. The intersection sees heavy foot and vehicle traffic, officials said. Drivers can expect slightly longer waits during school hours. The city plans to monitor the intersection over the coming weeks and may make adjustments, including changing the length of the head start.

MILTON, Ga. — The Atlanta Wind Symphony will celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary with an Oct. 18 performance at Milton High School. “Happy 250th Birthday, America!” will begin at 4 p.m. in the school’s auditorium. The school is located at 13025 Birmingham Highway. Tickets are free for children through the age of 13, $15 for adults, and $10 for senior citizens, students 13 and older, and military personnel. A family admittance package is $40. Musical selections will include: • “Americans We” by Henry Fillmore. • “Chester” by William Schuman. • “Variations on America” by Charles Ives. • “American Hymnsong Suite” by Duane S. Milburn. • “Rushmore” by Alfred Reed. • “American Pageant” by Thomas Knox. • “The Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Philip Sousa. “Our country has a great band tradition, and we will honor it with some of the best-known medleys, marches and patriotic hits that define the American spirit,” David Kehler, music director and conductor of the Atlanta Wind Symphony, said. Kehler said he hopes attendees take away a sense of pride and American spirit.

Funding for the performance is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. For tickets, visit atlantawindsymphony.org. About the Atlanta Wind Symphony Under Kehler’s leadership, the symphony is building on its history to make even greater contributions to the Atlanta music scene by performing in venues throughout the metro, collaborating with other area music organizations and expanding its educational outreach programs. “It’s a special ensemble, a highly accomplished ensemble and a very dedicated group of musicians that come from all over the Atlanta area,” he said. “We have people that drive as far as two hours away to participate, and it just demonstrates their dedication to it.” Some members of the symphony have been part of the group for 20 to 30 years, Kehler said. There are also new members this year, he noted. All members play at a high level, with the symphony accepting members only after a rigorous audition and screening process. The symphony was founded in 1979 as the North Fulton Community Band. It has approximately 75 volunteer players. Members include professional musicians, educators, attorneys, pilots, engineers, business executives and more.

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October 15, 2026 | Milton Herald | 15

One size does not fit all: Choosing the right estate plan for your family Brought to you by - Holly Geerdes, Estate Planning Attorney, GK Law Group Ask a friend, a neighbor, or a seminar speaker about estate planning, and you may hear the same answer every time: "You HOLLY GEERDES need a trust." For Estate Law Center USA Top 5% Super Lawyer in Georgia many families, that advice is sound. But estate planning is not a product you pull off the shelf. The right plan is the one built around your life, not your neighbor's. A well-designed estate plan answers a few basic questions. Who will receive what you own? Who will make decisions if you cannot? How do you want your loved ones protected? The tools used to answer those questions should depend on your circumstances. Why Trusts Get So Much Attention A revocable living trust can be a powerful tool. When properly funded, it can help your family avoid probate, the court-supervised process of settling an estate. It can keep the details of your estate out of the public record. It can also name a trusted person to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated, without the need for a court-appointed guardian or conservator.

Trusts are also flexible. They can stagger inheritances for young adults, protect a beneficiary with special needs, or provide for a spouse while preserving assets for children from a prior marriage. Those benefits are real. But they matter more to some families than to others. Four Questions That Should Shape Your Plan What do you own, and where? Real estate, business interests, retirement accounts, and life insurance each pass in different ways. Owning property in more than one state can mean more than one probate proceeding, which often makes a trust worth a closer look. Many retirement accounts and insurance policies, by contrast, pass by beneficiary designation and never go through probate at all. What does your family look like? A blended family, a child with special needs, a beneficiary who struggles with money or addiction, or minor children all call for more careful planning. A married couple with grown, financially responsible children may need far less structure. How much do you value privacy? A will generally becomes part of the court file once it is probated. A trust usually does not. For families with a business, a public profile, or simply a strong preference for keeping their affairs private, that difference can be decisive. What are your long-term goals? Protecting assets from future creditors or divorce, planning for long-term care

costs, supporting a charity, or passing down a family business each points toward different tools. Your plan should be designed around the outcome you want, not around a single document. What level of asset protection do you need for yourself and your family? There are different kinds of trusts that provide different level of protection. Thus, it is essential to ask yourself do you need the trust to protect against various different kinds of predators, i.e. creditors, lawsuits, remarriage, divorce, medicaid, long term care costs, estate taxes. When a Simpler Plan May Be Enough For some families, a will, a durable power of attorney, a health care directive, and carefully updated beneficiary designations provide everything they need. A trust that is signed but never funded, meaning assets were never retitled into it, can leave a family facing probate anyway,

after paying for a plan that did not do its job. The opposite mistake is just as costly. A family with real estate in two states, a child who needs protection, or a business to pass on may find that a simple will leaves too much to the court and too little to chance. Start With Questions, Not Documents The best estate planning conversations begin with listening. Before any recommendation is made, a good advisor should understand what you own, who you love, what worries you, and what you hope to leave behind. Only then can anyone say whether a trust, a will, or a combination of tools is right for you. If you have been told you "need a trust" without being asked about your family and your goals, it may be time for a second look. The right plan is not the most complicated one. It is the one that fits.

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Special Section October 15, 2026 Milton Herald | 16

Shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators At Woodward Academy, we believe education should prepare students for more than college—it should prepare them to lead with vision, courage, and purpose. To innovate responsibly. To create impact in a complex, everchanging world. That’s why our mission extends beyond academic excellence. We cultivate character and opportunity, shaping students not just for success, but for significance. For families who care deeply about the kind of people their children will become, Woodward offers something rare: an education designed to spark ambition, nurture integrity, and empower leadership on a global scale. The results speak for themselves

Our alumni are innovators, entrepreneurs, and public servants— making their mark in Fortune 500 boardrooms, national politics, scientific research, and the arts. They lead with clarity, confidence, and conscience, often citing Woodward’s balance of challenge and care as the foundation for their success. Programs that anticipate the future We understand that today’s solutions won’t solve tomorrow’s problems. That’s why Woodward invests in forward-thinking programs such as: • Executive Communication— teaching students to present, debate, and lead with confidence. • Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Tech—early exposure to the tools shaping the future. • Global Studies & Exchange—

immersive experiences that prepare students for international collaboration. These opportunities don’t just enhance résumés. They cultivate resilient, adaptive thinkers ready for whatever comes next. A community that opens doors Our greatest strength is our people. Alumni, parents, mentors, and thought leaders form a network that creates opportunities far beyond the classroom—from internships and shadowing to partnerships and philanthropy. Woodward is not simply a school. It is a lifelong ecosystem of support and influence. For families who value purpose over prestige, the choice is clear. The world doesn’t just need achievers—it needs leaders. Their journey can begin here.

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AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | October 15, 2026 | 17

THE SAINT FRANCIS ADVANTAGE Known. Confident. Prepared.

At Saint Francis School, education is personal by design. Small classes, multiple academic pathways, structured support, and meaningful relationships allow students to be appropriately challenged while building the confidence and independence they need to succeed. And now, the Saint Francis Advantage is growing. Beginning in 2027–2028, Saint Francis will welcome 4th and 5th grades to our Milton Campus, creating an earlier pathway into our Middle School and High School programs. Founded in 1976, Saint Francis is an independent, non-sectarian, collegepreparatory school serving students across two campuses. Our Roswell Campus serves grades K–8, and our growing

Milton Campus will serve grades 4–12. From Elementary through High School, Saint Francis meets students where they are and challenges them to grow. Students benefit from strong academics and individualized support, plus opportunities in AP, Dual Enrollment, Honors, athletics, fine arts, STEM, robotics, clubs, and more. Across both campuses, students are known for who they are and how they learn. They become confident in their abilities and leave Saint Francis prepared for what comes next. ONE SCHOOL. TWO CAMPUSES. LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES. Discover the Saint Francis Advantage. SaintFrancisSchools.com.

18 | October 15, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

High Meadows School Baccalaureate (IB) World School offerInspiring future ing its renowned Primary Years Program students in preschool through fifth global citizens and for grade. High Meadows School’s accominnovative leaders plished and experienced faculty lead Brought to you by – High Meadows School & Camp There is no place like High Meadows School & Camp. Since 1973, High Meadows students in Pre-K through 8th grade have learned through experiential, immersive educational opportunities offered both in the school’s spacious, light-filled classrooms and across 42 acres of grassy fields and scenic woodlands. High Meadows School’s progressive curriculum is focused on developing future global citizens and innovative leaders who embrace challenge and think for themselves. High Meadows lower years classrooms offer low student-teacher ratios in which instruction emphasizes academic excellence, love of learning, critical thinking, and environmental and social responsibility. As a nationally recognized and award-winning leader in progressive education, High Meadows is an accredited International

each student on this journey. Through interactive, inquiry-based instruction, supported by of-the-moment technology and our nature-based campus, High Meadows teachers are unequaled in their intellect, passion, and compassion for these kids. Every day they inspire authentic learning opportunities that are engaging and sticky (literally and figuratively!). When children graduate from High Meadows, they are empowered with a deep respect for international perspectives, an intuitive understanding of life’s interconnectedness, and an exceedingly strong sense of self. Education is an expedition that starts from the moment we are born. When we teach children to be curious and inquiring at an early age, we create within them a love of learning that lasts an entire lifetime. What is more important than that? Please visit our website at highmeadows.org or call 770-993-2940 to learn more about High Meadows School.

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20 | October 15, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

Education solutions for every mind, every age Brought to you by – Eaton Academy Eaton Academy is a small private school, offering multiple programs, both in person and online. ACCESS, Eaton’s newest program, serves students with limited verbal communication skills – including those with apraxia. Teachers provide individualized instruction and responsive guidance. Students may use AAC devices and experience time in a sensory room. Other Academic Programs The full-day K-12 school with its 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio allows instructors to address the individual learning styles of both neuro-typical and neuro-diverse students. Through the use of STEAM-related activities and multisensory instruction, students of all abilities achieve academic and personal success. The college-prep curriculum is delivered in a safe, nurturing environment. For students with more significant needs, the Pace Program customizes the curriculum to, not only meet their specific academic needs but also develop life skills and independent living strategies. This approach is perfect for students on the spectrum, those with developmental delays, and individuals with other scholastic chal-

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Puzzles

rier 10/1/26 Connect-It

PuzzleJunction.com

Connect-It

Each line in the puzzle below has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 5, 4 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, with each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!

Milton Herald ...................................October 15, 2026 | 21

MAD MONEY

Dunwoody Crier 10/1/26 Crossword

Across

PuzzleJunction.com

1. Long-tailed colorful parrot. British money. Stinger. 2. Big cat. Ne’er-do-well. Cambodian cash. 3. “Seinfeld” regular. Like the Vikings. Japanese money. 4. EU money. Recipe direction. Martini addition. 5. Beige. Baltimore baseballer. Mexican money. 6. Kind of ray. Say with certainty. Sri Lankan money. 7. Exploding star. Croquet area. Money of Israel. PuzzleJunction.com

12 13 14 15 1 Tennis great Arthur 16 17 18 19 5 Carry 21 22 20 9 Harpoon 3 12 Fired a gun 23 24 25 26 13 Change for a five 14 Oklahoma city 4 27 28 29 16 Gentle 31 32 33 34 17 1961 Haley Mills 30 5 family flick 37 38 35 36 20 Get older 21 Washer cycle 41 39 40 6 22 Tristan’s love 42 43 44 23 Following 25 Gender (Abbr.) 45 46 47 48 49 0/1/26 Sudoku7 26 Japanese coin 27 Aviator 50 51 52 53 54 55 Dunwoody 10/1/26 Kakuro PuzzleJunction.com How to Solve: Each line in theMad puzzleMoney above has Crier three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is 28 Coffee order the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each 1. Long-tailed colorful parrot. British money. Stinger. 58 56 57 30 Kind of prize answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues Kakuro, also known as Cross Sums, is a challenging number puzzle, solved in a crossword style grid. The rules are easy: A number 31 1985 Eastwood for 3 answers on thepuzzle, line. Buteach here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually To the solve the Sudoku row, column and 2. Big cat. Ne’er-do-well. Cambodian cash. 59 60 61 above the diagonal line in a black square is the sum of the white squares to the right of it. A number below the diagonal line is the sum epic be the second or the thirdnumbers answer in1that line. Good inluck! boxformust contain to of 9. the Got whiteit? squares the sequence below it. You may only use the digits 1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any sequence. 35 Surrealist Max 3. “Seinfeld” regular. Like the Vikings. Japanese money. 62 63 64 37 Skater Midori 4. EU money. Recipe direction. Martini addition. Copyright ©2026 PuzzleJunction.com 38 Itsy-bitsy 39 1992 Charles 61 Emerald ___ 9 2008 Steve Carell 33 Jealousy 5. Beige. Baltimore baseballer. Mexican money. Grodin doggie movie remake of 62 Thing, in law 34 Bread type 6. Kind of ray. Say with certainty. Sri lanka money. flick 63 Persian spirit TV series 36 1963 Hitchcock 41 Preserve 64 Attention-getter 10 Division word classic 7. Exploding star. Croquet area. Money of Israel. 42 Sp. Mr. 11 Young females 40 Nonstop 43 Big name in oil 15 Florida’s MiamiDown 43 1982 Ben 45 Nile viper ___ County Kingsley epic 48 Wager 1 The Thin Man 18 Family girl 44 Bard’s “before” 49 Vaughan of jazz 19 Corral canine 45 “___ du lieber!” 50 French composer 21 ___-Foy, Que. 2 Carpet type 46 Vegas attraction 52 Sharpen 3 1990 Macaulay 24 Beginnings 47 Might 53 Marry 25 Crook Culkin silliness 49 Navigational aid 56 1992 Anthony 4 Season, in France 27 Duffer’s cry 51 French door part Hopkins film 5 1937 Cary Grant 28 Office stamp 52 Blood pigment 58 Loathsome comedy 29 Big party 54 Fashion magazine 59 Make one’s way 6 Walking ___ 30 Cotillion girl 55 View as through a crowd 7 Sea swallow 31 Turning point 57 Dupe Copyright ©2026 PuzzleJunction.com 60 Asian nurse How to Solve: Kakuro, also known as Cross Sums, is a 8 Compass pt. 32 1974 Bronson flick 58 By means of

1 3 9

1 8 5 6 8 9 1 7 2 6 4 1 2 8 6 2 3 4

How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

challenging number puzzle, solved in a crossword style grid. The rules are easy: A number above the diagonal line in a black square is the sum of the white squares to the right of it. A number below the diagonal line is the sum of the white squares in the sequence below it. You may only use the digits 1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any sequence.

See puzzle solutions on Page 28

Solution

$17

Solution 9 1 3 5 6 7 4 8 2

4 8 5 9 3 2 6 7 1

7 2 6 8 1 4 5 9 3

6 4 8 3 2 9 1 5 7

2 7 9 1 8 5 3 6 4

5 3 1 7 4 6 9 2 8

1 5 7 4 9 8 2 3 6

3 9 2 6 7 1 8 4 5

8 6 4 2 5 3 7 1 9

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22 | October 15, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

OPINION

GET OUTSIDE, GEORGIA!

The immense joy of planning After years of consideration, I've reached an important conclusion about a matter that affects us all. To wit: Planning is overrated. Wait. What did I say? Haven't we been STEVE HUDSON told since childhood Columnist that you've got to plan things out? You know, as in "plan your work and work your plan"? Well, yeah, I suppose we have. I admit it can be a good thing too, sometimes. My wife is a planner, and I admit that I am the beneficiary of it. Take our camping trips, for example. She checks and rechecks the lists of the critical things (you know, stuff like warm blankets and coffee for the coffeepot), and as a result our campsites are places of peace, tranquility, comfort and abundant coffee, with creamer, which is also on one of the lists. Yes, good planning leaves nothing to chance. Remember that for a few minutes. Just saying ... But what about spontaneity? I must confess that I may, just possibly, be less a child of the "plan-it-out" school of thought and more a "let's-go-rightnow-and-see-what-happens" kind of guy. Maybe it's some vestige of leftover hippie in me, or maybe it's just that I'd rather be walking in the woods than planning where to do the walking. Could be both, I suppose. In practice, she and I meet in the middle, and it's a wonderful match. When an adventure is afoot, we plan it together. That means I go off on wild flights of fancy about doing this and seeing that, while she reins me in and anchors me to reality and, in the process, probably keeps me alive. Of course, for this to work, she's got to be physically there. The other weekend, she was enjoying her annual weekend visit with her girlfriends. She's been friends with them since about first grade, and they get together once a year. That's a neat thing. This year they got together over in Alabama at one of her friends' homes. And as she was heading out, just as she backed onto the street and pointed the car west, it occurred to me that — and why not? — I should just load up the car and go camping! Where? I dunno. How long? Oh, a day or two. What to take? I'll just grab what I need and go!

Tugaloo State Park, at Lake Hartwell, is a great place to camp. Quick as thought, I cranked up my phone and found a last-minute campsite at Tugaloo State Park. It took just an instant to book it. Almost as quickly, I tossed the tent and the cot and some of this and a little of that into the car. The whole packing-up thing took me maybe 10 minutes, and as the 11th minute rolled around I too was backing out the driveway, on my way to adventure! Planning? Well ... A couple of hours later I'm at the campground. Tugaloo State Park, which sits close by Lake Hartwell, is just a little off the radar, but it's definitely on my A-list of places to camp. It offers more than 115 campsites of various descriptions, from full-hookup drive-through sites to tent-only walk-in sites. Though I'm tent camping, I pick a back-in site, and I make sure it has water (for easy coffee making) and power (so I can plug in the little heater in case it gets cool at night). My chosen site is right on the lake, too, and it turns out to be a great one. Setup goes smoothly, at least till I go to stake out the rain fly and discover that I've left it (as well as the basket of tent stakes) sitting on the shelf at home. Well, no biggie. It's not supposed to rain, and there are no tent-moving winds in the forecast. Besides, with no rain fly to obscure the view, I can see the stars through the tent's mesh roof. That will be neat, especially for a dyed-

STEVE HUDSON/APPEN MEDIA

in-the-wool man of the wilderness like me. Soon, it's time to set up the cot. My solo camping cot is one of those folding affairs from the local big-box retailer. It's sturdy and comfortable and gets me off the ground. One advantage of being somewhere north of 40 is that you don't have to sleep on the dirt if you don't want to, and I don't. But the cot is heavy. Well, the fleas come with the dog. I lug the cot to the tent, set it inside and unfold it. It fits the little tent perfectly, and it's really very comfortable — especially when made up with a nice squishy pillow and a soft, warm blanket to ward off the night's chill. I reach for them to make up my camp bed. In that instant, I realize that I know exactly where the blanket (and the sheets ... and my pillow) are. That's good! What's less good is that they're back home, on the shelf, right next to that basket of tent stakes. Well, no biggie, I tell myself. It isn't supposed to get that cold. Besides, I have extra socks if I need added warmth, and I can stuff some clothes or maybe my fishing vest into my daypack and use it for a pillow. We great outdoorsmen are flexible that way. We may suck at planning, but we sure do know how to adapt. By that point the sun is getting a little low, and I realize it's getting chilly. The forecast had said that the night

would be (how did the weather guy put it?) "a little breezy, with the season's first hint of brisk fall air." So I go to look for my jacket. Uh-oh. For the jacket, along with the blanket and pillow and God only knows what other yet-to-be-discovered omissions, is sitting on that shelf back home. For those less experienced, a missing jacket could be a problem. But we seasoned outdoors types just roll with such things, barely batting an eye. That's how it is when you're one with the wilderness! Besides, I have an extra shirt, so I just slip it on instead. It helps a little. By that time it's getting dark. I call it a day and turn in, intent on a good night's sleep. Well, fast-forward a few hours. There I am, stretched out on my cot, feeling the promised breezy breeze, and it dawns on me that I'm chilly. I reach for the blanket that isn't there and think about turning up the little heater, which (yep) isn't there either. It's back home, too, there on that shelf by the blanket. Now where are those extra socks? Probably back home on the shelf too. Morning eventually comes. Yes, there's a nip in the air, and I'm ready for coffee. I crawl from the tent, retrieve the coffee maker and plug it in. The light comes on, its comforting red glow promising something great to come. Now where did I put that coffee? Uh-oh. At that point, I just laugh out loud. Planning? Who needs planning? I'll tell you who needs planning. Me! Fortunately, the folks at the corner store did a better job of it than me. Their coffee is hot, strong and just what this chilly camper needs. In no time I'm restored and ready for what the day will bring. It turns out to be a great day. I do some hiking. I catch some fish. I meet a photographer at Traveler's Rest, a nearby historic site, and we talk about photographing trains and trestles. I find a new-to-me barbecue place, a place with some really good Brunswick stew that I'll tell you about next time. I find a Walmart, too, and relieve them of a blanket, some tent stakes, a sweatshirt, some socks and a pillow — and some coffee. Did I forget anything on my Walmart run? Not a thing. I made a list before I went. I did a little planning. I'll tell her about all this when she returns tomorrow evening, and she will be proud.

PRESERVING THE PAST

OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | October 15, 2026 | 23

The intriguing Webbs – a family for all time The north Fulton Webb family is a fascinating study in part because there were so many of them in the area beginning in the 1840s. Pat Miller, a fervent student of BOB MEYERS local history, once Columnist told me that by the 1920s, after seven generations of Webbs, there were nearly 150 Webb descendants in the north Fulton area, including spouses, and many more after that. Many other local families intermarried with the Webbs, people with names such as Maxwell, Shirley, Paris, Martin, Bagwell, Devore, Mansell, McGinnis, Medlock, Mayfield, Phillips and numerous others. I wrote a column about the Webbs in 2024, so this column is a follow-up, thanks to the suggestion of one Webb history lover, Janie Webb, who retired after a successful career in financial services. One of several Webb pioneers to settle in the Big Creek (also called Vickery Creek) area south of Cumming in Forsyth County, home to several large farms, was the Rev. John Malcom Webb (1840-1924), who is buried in the Old Ocee Cemetery in Alpharetta. He is somehow related to a representative of the following generation, Joseph Joel “J.J.” Webb (1858-1939), Janie Webb’s greatgrandfather, whom she describes as a “prominent Milton farmer.” He was also a leading businessman. He married a very young Mary C. “Molly” Dildy (18651911) in 1882. Dildy was a known family name in the area at that time. They had 10 sons and a large farm on Webb Bridge Road. In September 1911, soon after his wife’s death, J.J. put some of his property up for sale. He placed an ad in the Milton County News titled “Farm For Sale,” which read: “I have 80 acres of land yet for sale, two miles from Alpharetta on public road. Also ten acres of land and a good fiveroom house in Alpharetta, on Duluth Street. Also one nice vacant lot on Roswell Street. J. J. WEBB.” (Spelling and capitalization are as they appeared in the original.) Indicative of the hard times facing the north Fulton economy at the time was a large ad in the Aug. 3, 1913, Atlanta Constitution announcing “bankrupt sale of the J. J. Webb land. 650 acres” and other properties, including the J.J. Webb old homestead and the large, two-story J.J. Webb and Sons Building, constructed in 1910 in

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Robert E. Webb Jr. joined the Army Air Corps during WWII in his late teens. He flew 35 missions over Tokyo.

downtown Alpharetta. At one time, it housed the Bates Grocery, the Milton County Bank, the Shirley Bothers store and a post office. J.J. and his son R.J. (Robert) also built the Webb Guano House around 1901. The economic conditions in rural Milton County in 1913 were bad enough to cause J.J.’s bankruptcy. Falling cotton prices, banking instability and an early boll weevil problem were part of the situation. J.J.’s commercial commitment, especially to the Webb building, became unsustainable. The bankruptcy significantly affected the family, with several sons relocating to other nearby cities. Atlanta, by contrast, was booming — a comparison that might be the subject of a future column. One son, Earl Simeon Webb (18931984), moved to San Bernardino, California, married Valah D. Webb (1895-1978) and became an industrial chemist and wealthy inventor of Webb Glue around the 1920s. He was also a major donor to the Seventh-day Adventist medical school, Loma Linda University, about 10 miles from his home. Webb Glue was never patented. It was a proprietary industrial adhesive, not a retail product. This allowed Earl to keep the formula secret to avoid copying. Factories, especially furniture factories, bought the adhesive by the barrel because it had all the features

Robert E. Webb Jr. was a tail gunner on the B-29 bomber during U. S. attacks on Tokyo during WW II. The tail gunner used a sighting system that let him fire several other turrets, as well as the tail guns. They were under constant attack by Japanese fighter planes as they approached Japan. One of the B-20’s numerous new technologies was a pressurized cabin. needed to make their products: quick drying time, strength and waterproofing. Factories kept replenishing their supplies, and Earl kept getting richer. His story provides a rare link between rural agricultural Georgia and growing California industry. Another son, Robert E. Webb Sr. (1900-1982), the youngest of J.J.’s sons, is remembered fondly by his granddaughter Janie Webb. He was born on the family farm on Webb Bridge Road. He married Annie May Gladys Cook Webb (1902-1974) of Duluth in 1925. He and his family lived in Norcross. Robert served in World War I and World War II. He was a victim of mustard gas in the trenches of World War I and always had trouble breathing. After the war, he worked as a mechanic for General Motors. He volunteered in World War II and traveled to repair equipment for the Army, but he couldn’t serve as a soldier because of his health. He retired from GM, which led Janie’s father to work for GM after World War II. Robert E. Webb Jr. (1925-2013), Janie’s father, was married to Opal Hazel O’Kelly Webb (1927-2014). The couple met as students at Norcross High School. Robert served as a tail gunner in a B-29 long-range bomber for the Army Air Corps during World War II, stationed

in the Marianas Islands on Tinian Atoll, a 13- to 15-hour flight to Japan. He flew 35 night missions over Tokyo, targeting huge fuel tanks along the docks in Tokyo harbor. The B-29’s extreme range and heavy payload capacity made it the ideal weapon to reach the Japanese mainland. Robert received numerous awards and commendations for his valor at a time when the average life of a tail gunner in his cramped Plexiglas and metal turret was only four missions. The awards included the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal and First, Second and Third Oak Leaf Clusters. Returning home at 19, he began his career with GM in Doraville. Many other Webbs of note have lived in north Fulton and southern Forsyth County. It is quite a family. Thanks to historian Connie Mashburn for his help with this column. Bob is a member of the city of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission, director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a trustee on the board of directors of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth. net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.

24 | October 15, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

OPINION

GARDEN BUZZ

Labyrinths offer a unique feature for quiet reflection Labyrinths have always intrigued me whenever I see them in beach areas or sculpture gardens. Not to be confused with a maze, where one can get lost, a labyrinth guides you to the center and BARBARA OLSON back again. I have Guest Columnist seen them in England, Scandinavia and, most recently, in Ellsworth, Michigan, and at Castle Farms in Charlevoix, Michigan. There are more than 6,500 registered labyrinths worldwide. Chartres Cathedral in France has a 13th-century stone labyrinth inlaid into the floor of the nave, spanning the width of the building. Labyrinths have been in use for more than 4,000 years, and various patterns have been found in many ancient cultures. They were likely used for ceremonial or meditative purposes. Labyrinths can be made of many materials, such as stone, concrete or even small plants. In England and Scandinavia, I found turf labyrinths made of mounds of earth covered with grass. Labyrinths come in different sizes and can be elaborate, with many concentric circles, or small and simple. Today, labyrinths are experiencing a revival. There is even an annual World Labyrinth Day, celebrated on the first Saturday in May. Labyrinths are found in hospitals, schools, parks, churches, private gardens and many other settings. People walk them for stress relief, spiritual reflection, mindfulness and personal growth. The modern labyrinth movement, which began gaining popularity in the 1990s, emphasizes the labyrinth as a tool for healing and contemplation. The labyrinth's purpose today remains rooted in its symbolic design, which is based on the circle, the universal symbol for unity and wholeness. Many people use labyrinths as a form of walking meditation that helps quiet the mind and focus inward. Ultimately, the labyrinth offers a quiet, structured space for reflection. Across time and cultures, it remains a powerful symbol of the path we all walk, full of twists and turns, yet leading us forward. There are many ways to walk a labyrinth. Before stepping inside, take a moment to reflect on your life, focusing on something as simple as family, career or an upcoming choice. Although there is nothing magical about the layout itself, the physical journey allows your consciousness to open a little deeper. For many years, I had wanted to install a labyrinth in my own yard, but

A labyrinth on Smith Plantation grounds in Roswell. the terrain was too hilly. While working on my first master gardener volunteer project on the grounds of the Archibald Smith Plantation Home and Museum in Roswell, I located an area surrounded by trees that I thought would be an ideal spot. In the fall of 2016, I received permission from the museum staff to explore the possibility of creating a labyrinth on the property. I started by raking leaves into a circular design and then raking them outward from the center to create the overall pattern. My husband then assisted me, and we placed logs we found on the property on top of the piles of leaves. This gave the design a little more permanence and kept the leaves from blowing away. The manager at Smith Plantation contracted a bricklayer to permanently lay bricks in

place of the logs. In May 2017, the labyrinth at Smith Plantation opened to the public, and an informational sign was erected shortly afterward. The labyrinth at Archibald Smith Plantation is a simple one, surrounded by trees. As you walk this path, be mindful of your natural surroundings. Hear the quiet among the chirping birds, feel the breeze on your skin and slowly follow the path to the center. Use all your senses at this point and then slowly return along the same path to the entrance. This walkway connects directly with the Fernwood Forest path at Smith Plantation, where visitors can enjoy another beautiful walk. Whether you need a brief escape from a hectic schedule or a dedicated space to process a major life decision, the ancient

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structure of the labyrinth provides a timeless remedy. I encourage you to visit the brick labyrinth at Smith Plantation in Roswell or locate an installation near you to step off the beaten path and find your own inner peace. Happy gardening!

Learn More ·‘Walking a Sacred Path’ by Lauren Artress ·Building a Labyrinth - https:// discoverlabyrinths.com/ how-to-build-a-labrynth · Locate a Labyrinth - www. Labyrinthlocator.org

OPINION

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retirement account doesn’t necessarily mean Joe has $100,000 available for a home purchase. His plan may restrict loans or withdrawals, and we need to know exactly how much he can access. Suddenly, Joe’s “slam-dunk” mortgage isn’t quite the slam dunk everyone thought it was. And that’s the real problem. Maybe Joe qualifies for $650,000. Maybe he qualifies for $400,000. Maybe Joe doesn’t qualify for anything right now. But wouldn’t you rather know that before spending four weekends driving him around Atlanta? Worse yet, imagine showing Joe $650,000 homes for a month only to discover that his actual purchasing power is $400,000. Good luck getting Joe excited about the $400,000 house after he’s fallen in love with the $650,000 one. That’s why getting pre-approved isn’t simply about the mortgage. It’s about setting expectations before emotions get involved. It protects the buyer. It protects the agent’s time. It establishes a realistic price range. And when the right house comes along, everyone is prepared to move. No butts in seats until you have a pre-approval in your hand. No ifs. No ands. And absolutely, no butts. DC Aiken is senior vice president of lending for CrossCountry Mortgage, NMLS #658790. For more insights, you can subscribe to his newsletter at dcaiken.com. The opinions expressed within this article may not reflect the opinions or views of CrossCountry Mortgage LLC or its affiliates.

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Wills Park brims with area visitors on Fourth of July By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

A girl waves an American flag as she dances to music by Davis and the Love at Roswell Area Park July 4.

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Kendall, from left, John, Brooks and Reid Hill sit on a picnic blanket at Roswell Area Park to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Roswell crowd celebrates America’s 249th birthday By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Food trucks, live music and fireworks were on the menu for America’s birthday in Roswell. A crowd of over 1,000 piled into Roswell Area Park July 4 to celebrate America’s 249th birthday.

Kendall and John Hill travelled from East Cobb to bring their two little ones to the show. “The kids love it,” John Hill said. Baseball fields and multi-use fields were filled with families and friends awaiting the firework show at dusk.

OPINION

Pitts: Raising millage rate would be mistake

See FIREWORKS, Page 24

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From left, Traci Foreman, Chris Foreman and John Hanley watch fireworks in Wills Park July 4.

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Residents celebrate, remember meaning behind Juneteenth JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The heart of the holiday was shining through the music, food and fun of Creek’s Juneteenth celebration. As the sun set on a warm Saturday evening, Midway grandmother Matilda Riles sat in a lawnchair, watching her grandchildren play on the park lawn amid the sound of booming live music and mouthwatering aroma of food trucks. Before the fun started, Riles, who attended with three generations of family, educated the kids about the reason for Juneteenth. “It's a point in time when enslaved people no longer had to be enslaved, and certain places did not relay the message at the time that it should have been relayed,” Riles said. “And, therefore this is a celebration as to when the final group of people were told you no longer had to be enslaved.” Several thousand visitors descended on the city’s annual celebration at Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, doubling last year’s attendance. The celebration resembled a giant block party with live music performances, chatting neighbors, plenty of food and rows of arts and craft vendors.

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The perfect biscuit is like a warm hug, said Brandy White, owner of Sawnee Mountain Biscuit Company. “It kind of warms your soul,” White said. “It feels like home to me.” Since 2001, the Sawnee Mountain Biscuit has operated out of a renovated mobile home at 104 13th St., serving perfect pillowy biscuits wrapped around eggs, cheese, bacon and other breakfast staples. With dozens of items on the menu, the restaurant features other tasty offerings from French toast to a house-made pimento cheese. Tucked into a sleepy neighborhood on the edge of Cumming, Sawnee Mountain Biscuit might easily be taken as another house, but locals say the squat, blue-clapboard building is one of the town’s best breakfast spots. Over the decades, the restaurant has earned a cult following in Cumming and the north Atlanta area, serving as many as 400 orders some mornings.

See BISCUIT, Page 6

Two-year-old Cameron holds a beach ball at the City of Roswell Fourth of July celebration at Roswell Area Park.

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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is working to complete converting an old elementary school into a law enforcement training center. Since October, the training center has hosted a public safety academy as part of a partnership between the sheriff’s office and University of North Georgia. The academy, funded by the

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County restores original funding to cultural arts

Children play in the lawn at Newtown Park during a Juneteenth celebration in Johns Creek June 21. JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

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Brandy White holds her 1-year-old daughter, Lennon, at the entrance to her Sawnee Mountain Biscuit Company on 13th Street just outside Cumming.

County considers funding for sheriff’s training facility

See FOURTH, Page 23

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ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Thousands filled Wills Park to celebrate July 4 with a bang. Hours before darkness fell, friends and families filled the park’s lawns, Equestrian Center, trails and athletic fields. Everywhere, children played, cartwheeling, running, tossing balls and waving glow sticks. Alpharettan Lindsey Landis, her husband, two children and two dogs were part the crowd, passing the golden hour on a blanket laid out on the grass.

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sheriff’s office, provides training for law enforcement officers in Forsyth County and surrounding jurisdictions, Capt. Rob Heagerty said. At an April 22 work session, the County Board of Commissioners discussed a proposal to allocate $47,993 for design services with ar chitectural firm Wiley Wilson to create plans, conduct inspections and

make changes to water heaters. The sheriff’s office wants to install showers and locker rooms at the building at 4805 Atlanta Highway, Heagerty said. The improvements are important because exercise and physical conditioning are essential in maintaining capable deputies, he said. The building already houses classrooms, meeting rooms, a cafeteria,

gym, simulator room and an empty wing where deputies can conduct building-clearing and other training exercises. The work is part of a second phase to transform former Midway Elementary School into a law enforcement training center.

See SHERIFF, Page 12

ATLANTA — The Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to restore funding for a program within the Arts & Culture Department to $3 million a year Sept. 17. While the unanimous vote reflects unity and bipartisanship, some commissioners criticized colleagues for the delay. The item, sponsored by Democratic commissioners Khadijah AbdurRahman and Marvin Arrington Jr. and Republican commissioners Bob Ellis and Bridget Thorne, includes an increase of $1.7 million for a previously requested program and its full $3 million in funding set aside in the 2026 budget.

See JUNETEENTH, Page 10

See FULTON, Page 20

Fulton jail staff faces civil rights indictments By DAVE WILLIAMS Capitol Beat ATLANTA — Fulton County Jail employee has been indicted in federal court for allegedly using excessive force against prisoners. The 47-year-old sergeant is accused of repeatedly using tasers on compliant, nonresisting pre-trial detainees on three occa-

sions last January and writing false reports about each of the incidents. “The (Justice Department’s) Civil Rights Division has zero tolerance for law enforcement officers who abuse public trust through excessive force and concealing their misconduct,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “We will vigorously safeguard the constitutional

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rights of all individuals, including those in custody.” “Abuses of power of this kind are unconstitutional, erode our community’s trust, and will be prosecuted,” added Theodore S. Hertzberg, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. Solomon faces up to 10 years in prison for each federal civil rights violation and 20

years behind bars for each false report. The FBI’s Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case based on a referral from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.

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Summer Veggies Annuals Pollinator Plants and So Much More! Friday April 11- Sunday April 13

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Greenhouse complex- Across from the Skate Park in Brookrun Park, Dunwoody

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Front center, Ann Hanlon, executive director of the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts, holds the ribbon for phase one of the Ashford Dunwoody Road path April 3 while City Councilman Tom Lambert, front right, gets ready to cut it. The Perimeter CIDs and Dunwoody split the project’s $1.5 million construction cost.

Commercial partners and city celebrate new path By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

A look down the completed phase one of the Ashford Dunwoody Road path April 3 shows the two-way cycle track parallel to the revamped sidewalk.

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody elected officials, city staff and Perimeter Community Improvement Districts Executive Director Ann Hanlon cut the ribbon April 3 on phase one of the Ashford Dunwoody Road path. “We’re super proud to partner with the city of Dunwoody on building this trail project,” Hanlon

said. “And we’ll look forward to many more phases to come.” A little over two years ago, the group gathered at the same spot near the corner of Ashford Dunwoody Road and Hammond Drive for phase one’s groundbreaking. Phase one of the corridor’s path includes a two-way raised cycle track separated from traffic by a wide landscape buffer

See PATH, Page 17

DUNWOODY, Ga. — The City of Dunwoody is streamlining development rules and updating its vision for the city’s future as part of a state-mandated overhaul. City officials and representatives from consulting firm TSW Design, which was tasked with creating a plan, gave a two-hour presentation about the changes April 1 during a special meeting at Vintage Pizzeria on Chamblee Dunwoody Road. Residents received and discussed the creation of a unified development ordinance and changes to the city’s comprehensive plan. Dunwoody is updating its comprehensive plan as part of a state mandate that requires an overhaul every five years, said Allison Stewart-Harris, an associate principal and planner at TSW. Stewart-Harris presented the changes to about 30 residents who attended the meeting.

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By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs announced that the Billboard Music Award-winning band Lit is headlining Friday night Sept. 26 at the third annual Blue Stone Arts & Music Festival. The festival will take place in the heart of Sandy Springs Friday, Sept. 26, from 4-10 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Lit is an American rock band from Orange County,

California, formed in 1988. They are best known for their platinum-selling 1999 power-pop punk album “A Place in the Sun” and its massive hit single “My Own Worst Enemy.” The band is set to headline the main stage Friday night at 8 p.m. In addition to Lit, the family-friendly festival features music all day long across multiple stages, an artist market with more than 80 vendors and a Kids Zone.

See LIT, Page 9

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Motorists line up at the Boylston Drive signal to turn left onto Hammond Drive Aug. 14. Sandy Springs will begin work in September to realign Boylston to the east and eliminate a nearby traffic light.

Realignment construction begins on Hammond-Boylston intersection

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Sandy Springs said Billboard Music Award-winning band, Lit, is headlining this year’s festival Sept. 26-27 at City Springs.

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SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs contractors are set to begin work in September on realigning the intersection of Boylston and Hammond drives and removing a redundant traffic light. The city says work will last around 15 months, and the intersection will remain open during construction, but there will be occasional lane closures so crews can get the work done safely. Initially, city officials expected the project

to begin in mid-August. No explanation was given. Currently, there are two separate sets of traffic lights less than 100 feet away from one another, one at the Hammond Glen Retirement Community’s driveway and another at the office building next door. The new configuration will shift Boylston Drive to the east, aligning it with the Hammond Glen driveway and eliminating the traffic light at the driveway to the office building at 325 Hammond Drive.

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About 30 residents fill a dining room at Vintage Pizzeria on Chamblee Dunwoody Road April 1 to hear a presentation by TSW Design planner Allison Stewart-Harris, who spoke on the city’s future land-use strategy.

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We all know my friend Joe Lunch Pale. Joe wants to spend the next three weekends looking at houses. Maybe write a low offer here and there just to see what happens. And D.C. AIKEN according to Joe, Guest Columnist dcaiken.com financing won’t be a problem. According to Joe, he has a 950 credit score, makes great money, has almost no debt, and has more cash in the bank than Scrooge McDuck. Don’t worry about Joe… Joe is ready to go.Or is he? There is one basic rule every real estate agent should live by: No butts in car seats until you see a pre-approval. No ifs. No ands. And definitely no butts in seats. Because when it comes to mortgages, I have another rule: Show me. Don’t tell me. That fictional 950 credit score? Turns out it’s 620. Joe also forgot to mention that he generously co-signed on a couple of car loans for his nieces and nephews. Unfortunately, the mortgage underwriter doesn’t care who is actually making those payments unless we can properly document it. And that shiny new truck Joe just bought? The new payment changed his debt-to-income ratio, while all those credit inquiries and the new account didn’t exactly help his credit profile… hence why Joe’s score is now 620. Then we discover Joe recently left his salaried job and went hourly. “But I’m making more money!” Maybe. The problem isn’t necessarily Joe’s hourly rate. It’s establishing how many hours he can reasonably be expected to work. Is it consistently 40 hours? Or 36? Or 32? And what about overtime? We may need a documented history before we can use it as qualifying income. Welcome to Hourly Jail, Joe. Then Joe tells me not to worry about the down payment because he has $100,000 in his 401(k). Great! Except having $100,000 in a

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Milton:

NEWS

Continued from Page 1 The county missed its schedule for the 2026 tax digest — the official record of every property’s taxable value — due to a backlog of unprocessed land records. That left the county, its school system and its cities without the numbers they needed to set millage rates. Jarrard said the typo will be corrected, and the city will readvertise its planned tax rate. The council is considering a 2026 millage rate of 4.495, with 4.193 mills for maintenance and operating costs and 0.302 mills for debt service. The 2025 rate was 4.503. The debt service rate is decreasing by 0.008. Park preservation During the Oct. 5 meeting, council members also unanimously approved a $20,000 conservation easement agreement for about 185 acres of land at Birmingham Park. Milton plans to work with GeorgiaAlabama Land Trust Inc. on protecting the park’s open spaces, wildlife habitats, water resources and scenic character. The easement permanently limits uses of the land to do so. It allows low-impact outdoor recreation and educational activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding,

COURTESY CITY OF MILTON

Birmingham Park in Milton is home to many trails and is a nature lover’s dream, according to city officials. The park will be permanently preserved after the Milton City Council approved a conservation easement agreement for about 185 acres during a meeting Oct. 5. nature observation and environmental education. The easement restricts development and uses that would impair conservation purposes. The land trust will monitor the agreement. The city will continue to own and manage the park. Milton retains its rights to maintain the park’s existing trails and can still construct new trails. The city can also make certain improvements, including the addition of signage, seating, shelters, parking, restrooms and other utilities. Resident Julie Zahner Bailey thanked

city officials for ensuring the conservation of the park. “This beautiful contiguous green space is one of those special places that helps to define the character of Milton,” she said. “It gives us a sense of place … it connects the land to our community and to the generations who came before us.” In his 2025 state of the city address, Mayor Peyton Jamison pledged to protect the park. On Oct. 5, he said he looks forward to many years of enjoying the park’s natural resources. “I’m looking forward to bringing my

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grandkids to Birmingham Park,” he said. What else Council members approved moving forward with structural and preventative maintenance repairs for the Thompson Road bridge. The cost will be $340,000, which will come from transportation special purpose local option sales tax revenue. In February, the Georgia Department of Transportation reduced the load capacity of the bridge, located over Chicken Creek, to 10 tons due to deterioration. The city will now pursue replacement of the bridge through the state in place of the currently planned Clarity Road bridge project. The council also approved a 10-year service delivery strategy agreement with Fulton County. The agreement, which identifies providers of various public services, is required by the state. There are 69 services outlined in the agreement, such as 911 and animal control. In other business, council members approved expanding the city’s development authority board. The board will now have eight directors, with Brandon Cox, a development manager for Toro Development Co., added as a new one.

DEATH NOTICES Judith Erhardt, age 88, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on September 29, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Hampton Logan, age 83, of Milton, GA passed away on September 28, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory

Gail Gibson, age 86, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on September 29, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Carolyn Smith, age 82, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on September 28, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Bonita Tillman, age 94, of Roswell, GA passed away on October 5, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory. June Thomas, age 88, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on September 24, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | October 15, 2026 | 27

CITY OF MILTON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING DESIGN REVIEW BOARD Date: Tuesday November 3, 2026, 6:00 P.M. Location: Milton City Hall – Council Chambers 2006 Heritage Walk Milton, GA 30004 678-242-2528 On the date and time, and at the location stated above, the Design Review Board shall conduct a public hearing to consider the following applications for Certificate of Appropriateness. 1.

Demolition Permit Review:

Address: 16335 Henderson Road Applicant: Scott D. Reece

Address: 15500, 15580, 15655 Rowe Road Applicant: Scott D. Reece

Address: 2395 Birmingham Road Applicant: Rachel Drucker

Invitation to Bid Fire Station Bay Door Replacement Project

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The City of Milton City Council will hold a public hearing for the applications for alcohol licenses listed below on Monday, October 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers on the First Floor of City Hall located at 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton, Georgia 30004. All interested persons are encouraged to attend the public hearing.

ITB NUMBER 27-FD01 Bid Due Date: November 4, 2026 by 2:00PM Local Time Electronic submission via: https://www.miltonga.gov/government/finance/bidsrfps Bid submissions will be publicly announced on the above date at approximately 2:30 PM at the City of Milton City Hall located at 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton, GA 30004. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids. If the contract is awarded, it will be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder whose bid meets the requirements and criteria set forth in the invitation for bids . The City of Milton is requesting bids from qualified vendors with demonstrated professional competence, experience, and qualifications to furnish all labor, materials, equipment, supervision, services, and incidentals necessary to complete the removal and replacement of existing apparatus bay doors and operators at Milton Fire Stations 41 and 43. Fire Station 41 is located at 12670 Arnold Mill Rd, Milton, GA, and Fire Station 43 is located at 750 Hickory Flat Rd, Milton, GA. A pre-bid meeting/job site visit will be held on October 27, 2026, from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. The pre-bid meeting/visit is not mandatory but highly recommended. A bid bond of 5% is required when submitting bid response. All qualified bids will receive consideration without regard to age, handicap, religion, creed or belief, political affiliation, race, color, sex, or national origin. The request for electronic bids for ITB 27-FD01, Fire Station Bay Door Replacement Project will be posted on the following websites the week of October 15, 2026: https://www.miltonga.gov/government/finance/bids-rfps state.ga.us/gpr/

and

Invitation to Bid Building Demolition at One, Two, and Three Verizon Place ITB NUMBER 27-PW01 Proposal Due Date: November 12, 2026, by 2:00PM Local Time Electronic submission via: https://www.miltonga.gov/government/finance/bidsrfps Bid submissions will be publicly announced via a virtual bid opening at approximately 2:30 PM at the City of Milton City Hall located at 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton, GA 30004. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids. If the contract is awarded, it will be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder whose bid meets the requirements and criteria set forth in the invitation to bid. The City is requesting bids from qualified contractors to provide demolition services for multiple structures at One, Two, and Three Verizon Place. A pre-bid/ jobsite meeting will be held on November 4, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. EST. Prospective bidders are encouraged to attend but not required. The plans and specifications can be found in the solicitation of bids posted on the websites below. A bid bond of 5% is required when submitting bid response. All qualified proposals will receive consideration without regard to age, handicap, religion, creed or belief, political affiliation, race, color, sex, or national origin. The request for electronic bids for ITB 27-PW01, Building Demolition at One, Two, and Three Verizon Place will be posted on the following websites the week of October 15, 2026: https://www.miltonga.gov/government/finance/bids-rfps and https://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/gpr/

https://ssl.doas.

PH-26-AB-10 – The Local Pour LLC dba The Stone House Tap has submitted an application for a license to sell Wine, Malt Beverages and Distilled Spirits for Consumption On-Premises, for Sunday Sales of same, and for Resident Caterer at its place of business located at 12595 Crabapple Road, Milton, Georgia 30004.

1 3 9

28 | October 15, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

1 8 SOLUTIONS Solution 5 6 8 1 7 9 2 1/26 Kakuro 6 4 2 1 6 8 3Connect-It4 Solution 2

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MEMBER (CONT.) Susan Huss Paul Huth Jeffrey Hyde J. Craig Inman Sandra Jacobs Susan Jacques Lynn Johnson Tyler Jones Zach Jones Patricia Kachur Amy Kanderis Arthur Kebanli Laura Keck Mark Kelly Nancy Kennell Randall Kent Carol Kerr Sally Klaskala Allison Kloster Dyna Kohler Brett Koutnik Larry Krueger Jess & Chris Kysar Malinda Lackey Sarah Lamm Daniel Lashinsky Richard Lapin Christine Law Brandon Leach Dennis Lee Ken Leffingwell Carol Lehan

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Jay O’ Meara Celia Mendez Jennifer Mendoza Dan Merkel Al Merrill Chris Miller Christine Miller Patricia Miller Milton Animal Hospital George Mobley Joe Modica Fred Moeller Sarah Moen Catherine Moore Ralph Moore Carol Morgan Kathy Morgan Stu Moring Karen Mowery Leslie Mullis Donna Murphy Jack Murphy Aileen Nakamura George Nathan Caroline Naughton Richard Nichols Cindy Nolan North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. Carol & Carl Obenland Tricia Novarro Bob O’Brien Martha O’Brien

THE FUTURE OF LOCAL NEWS

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Continued innovation in digital media has changed the ways in which people buy, sell and interact with products and services. It has caused businesses to reassess the ways in which it communicates with potential customers and advertises its products. It has been well documented that these changes have had a destructive impact on local newspapers, which continues to be a primary source for local news, but is no longer a primary source for local advertising dollars – historically the lifeblood for reporters and their coverage. At Appen Media Group we want to address this conflict head on, and build new and innovative approaches to monetizing local news and creating a sustainable future for local journalism in metro Atlanta.

Matt Rohs Kim Romaner Rita Rosenthal Claudia Ross Courtney Rozear Fran Russell Janet Sandberg Carolina Santos Kelly Sarmiento Fran Schefer Derek Scheidt Dorothy Scherr Stephanie Schniederjan The Schoenblum Family Robert Scholz Robert Schreiner Stephanie Schuette Susan Searles Frances Segars Tracy Shealy Tina Shelton Lisa Shippel Steve Short Tom Simon Cindy Simpson Robert Singleton Faye Sklar Mitchel Skyer Judith Slaughter Andy Smith Lee Smith Tia Solh

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THE APPEN PRESS CLUB

One solution is the creation of a membership driven organization called the Appen Press Club that is dedicated to recruiting people and companies to join as members. Members pay recurring monthly or annual dues that are 100% dedicated to sustainable journalism. By providing predictable revenue, Appen Press Club members and partners help fund the salaries and expenses of local reporters who will no longer be subject to the whims of marketing budgets and an ever changing advertising world. In turn, those reporters will provide the readers they serve with highly researched and qualified journalism focused on subjects that directly affect their quality of life.

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Full-time Hospitalist Physician (multiple positions in Alpharetta, GA). Render medical services at the hospital in the medical specialty of hospital medicine. Must have an M.D., D.O., or foreign equiv. deg. Must be Bd.-certified or Bd.-eligible in Internal Med. or Osteopathic Med. Must possess a CA Med. lic. or be able to obtain. Subject to periodic transfers to various unanticipated locs. in the U.S. Must have legal authority to work in U.S. EEOE. Send resume to: Crystal Fann, Director of Human Resources, 24 ON Physicians of California, PC, 13000 Deerfield Pkwy, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30004 or cfann@incompasshealth.com. Reference: HospitalistNB52. Lead Java Developer, GIS, HQ: Cumming, GA Design, develop & maintain enterprise level apps; work from hm ofc anywhere in US; BS or foreign equiv in CS or clsly rel.; 5 yrs rel. exp; $152,131; resume & cvr ltr to: CJ@global-it-solutions.net.

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Sawnee EMC is seeking a General Clerk 1L (Building and Grounds/Custodial/ Maintenance) (part-time position) to perform facility maintenance and grounds keeping duties. Requires some heavy lifting, high school diploma or equivalency and a valid GA driver’s license. Related experience with outdoor maintenance equipment and a valid CDL are preferred. Hours: Availability for alternate shift assignments and irregular work hours.

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32 | October 15, 2026 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton

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